2018 R29CB shower pump runs continuously

[PlanetoSea]

Hello again all. Our shower pump was flagged during our survey and sea trial as being inoperative. I am just now getting around to looking into fixes. The fuse had been pulled, so I thought I had found an easy fix! Turns out, when the fuse is inserted, the pumps runs great--it just never shut off. So, I have the fuse pulled again. I. know where the pump is, and I think you can get into the sump box on a 2018 R29 pretty easily, but I have no idea what to look for or replace to fix this issue. Anyone been down this path before? Thanks!

 

[Brian B]

The float switch is most likely stuck. Clean out the box of any hair, debris and manually exercise the switch. You may have to replace the float switch as I did.

 

[Barry Cohen]

Pull the fuse and run a bottle of white vinegar into the sump. Let it sit at least overnight. It will dissolve all the crud that builds up.

 

[knotflying]

This float switch sticking situation is problematic. Your issue is not new. The worst part is that if it gets stuck and you are not around your batteries will drain. I suspect that this problem occurs more with people that tow their boat on the road as the float probably bounces up and down and eventually gets stuck. I installed a spring loaded (always off) rocker switch just below the sink on the face of the cabinet. When water starts to accumulate just press the switch and the pump goes on and drains. Release and the pump goes off. I was a bit lazy and left the stuck float switch in and installed the switch in the power feed outside of the box. I figured even if the float frees up some day I will still use the switch and have the safety of the pump not engaging when away from the boat or towing.

 

[PlanetoSea]

Great advice and suggestions here—thanks! I’ll give these a go today and report back once I have some results. Much appreciated!

 

[Bobby P.]

If you do put a kill switch in the system, be mindful that if you have air conditioning it drains into that sump.
My problem is that the sump is so small that you only need a little water for it to kick on. So when we use the A/C it pumps, then some of the water seeps back down the discharge hose and back into the sump. It only takes about 45 minutes of running the two A/Cs to kick the pump back in. In short, it runs on and off all night. I might need a better joker valve to prevent back flow.

Good luck!
Bobby

 

[PlanetoSea]

Thanks again all for the advice and suggestions. I got into the box and couldn’t find any issue with the float switch that cleaning would fix, and still had the issue after cleaning. I pulled the float switch out, put in a new one, and all is working well again. I’m going to look into the kill switch option as well though. I pulled the fuse for when the boat is just sitting in the slip and will put it back in on the next cruise to see how it does.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Sorry for chiming in late on this. We had exactly the same problem, solved for good (so far) by putting in a new float switch. They are not particularly well made. May want to think about a spare in your collection or, do like Mike, and wire in a switch.

 

[knotflying]

Great advice and suggestions here—thanks! I’ll give these a go today and report back once I have some results. Much appreciated!

Do check to make sure your air conditioner condensate does not dump into your shower sump before you use a kill switch. My R-27 is used only as a shower drain.

 

[jewels]

We have a R29 and have struggled with our sump pump running. Where is the fuse??

 

[BB marine]

The fuse should be behind the mirror in the head, 10 amp fuse. There should be a lable on the wire indicating shower pump. I just replaced my float switch last week. I hope that the install is not as stupid as it is in a Cutwater. It's an easy fix if you can get to it. Now that I have replaced the float switch and cleaned the basin. The next time it fails it will not be an issue. I moved the transducer and removed two of the four screws holding the lid in place. Hopefully the R29 has more room to access It and it is an easy fix. It may be hung up only. That is what appeared to be the issue with mine. It was a bit nasty looking. I cleaned the complete basin and the switch worked fine. The next time I turned the battery switch on I heard it running again. Pulled it out tested it and it tested fine again. I replaced it anyway. I'm going with the theory it is bad. Good luck.

 

[PlanetoSea]

Page 23 of the R29 Owner's Manual--it shows the location in the fuse bank "Dash 2", right side of fuse bank, 4th slot down.

 

[gigharborite]

It happened to me on a new C30. The shower was never used and the pump just started to run one day. I also pulled fuse and fixed float. I like the idea of adding a switch as a backup.

 

[Bobby P.]

Ditto on the pump cycling way too often when running the AC at night. Making matters worse, it is right under the bunk so I hear it ever 45 minutes.

I like the idea of adding a switch that gets flipped on when you shower, if it wasn't for the air conditioner dumping the condensate in. Knowing me, I'd forget to turn the switch on to catch the condensate. Turning it on while showering is a no-brainer, cause you'd see the water backing up.

Question - Has anyone routed the condensate to the bilge? That was the practice on my other boats. The shower goes to a sump and the condensate goes in the bilge. My bilge is not dry anyway, because of the dripping from the dripless gland. Is there enough pitch on the 29s, 30s, and 31s from the ac units to rear bilge?

Bobby

 

[Irish Mist]

I would strongly suggest cleaning out the sump.. There is a plastic screen that catches hair and soap scum.. When it starts getting clogged it holds water in the pipe and it just lets it slowly drain into the sump making the pump cycle more often then if it all drained at once.. While there I would also run a snake down the pipe if you use the shower a lot as there can be a ball of hair in there as well.. Once a year usually is enough for cleaning the sump in my experience ..
I would fix float switch it’s a very easy fix.
Good luck

 

[tdellaviola]

I have a C30.... had same problem. I added a manual switch that could be turned on when using the shower. I am in the PNW so never use the AC. Manual switch solved my problem.